Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Merle swans, etc.
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 6 November 2011
In Response To: Re: Merle swans, etc. (Evarest)

Hi Evarest:

Swans need a lot of room to swim. As long as the pond is deep and wide and can provide ample exercise, then the swans should be fine. The kiddie pool will need to be sunk into the ground so that there is a zero entrance. Otherwise, the swans will suffer from leg injuries. The pool will need to have a fill (fresh water coming in) and a drain (old water going out). The drain and fill may not seat very well in the plastic kiddie pool and leaks may occur. The pool will need to be cleaned on a daily basis. You wlll also need a small aerator to keep the water moving.

The better idea would be to use a vinyl pool liner in which the drain and the water (irrigation) line can be seated. This would allow for a bigger pond, but also the water could remain as a trickle and circulation could be amplified with the trickle as well as the small aerator. The aerator can be submerged or on top of the water like a small fountain. In either case, you must clean and aerate the pond or you will have very sick and possibly dead swans from botulism type toxins.

The grass should be free from pesticides, fungicides or insecticides. Rye grass is a great cover grass that can be used for foraging especially during the winter. DO NOT use clover or other such ground cover as this can mold and cause the swans to become deathly ill. We hope this information will be beneficial. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 27 July 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 27 July 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 6 November 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 6 November 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 8 November 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 8 November 2011
Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 9 November 2011